Pharmacogenetic Testing Treatment

Pharmacogenetic testing

The combination of heredity and life experiences makes everyone unique. Needs and responses to treatment are different for each person, so therapeutic approaches must be tailored specially for each individual patient. At Sovereign Health, all of our treatment plans are designed specifically for each patient in our mental health, addiction and dual diagnosis treatment programs.

When medication is indicated for a patient, finding the most effective dosage of the most effective drug can be challenging. Pharmacogenetic testing allows our doctors to understand how each patient will respond to different medications based on genetic analysis. When patients are given the treatment that is right for them from the beginning, they can start feeling better right away.

What is pharmacogenetic testing?

Pharmacogenetic testing (PGx) predicts responses to different medications based on genetic analysis. The genes that determine the production of enzymes that are required to metabolize medications are analyzed. Genetic variations determine how drugs are broken down, transported, converted, absorbed and excreted, which is why the same drug affects everyone differently.

Once the sample has been sent off to the pharmacogenetic testing labs and the results are returned, the PGx predicts which drugs patients should be able to metabolize and how they would likely metabolize different drugs. Without the enzymes to efficiently metabolize the drug, a patient may not experience any improvement, but could experience many side effects or even a dangerous reaction. Conversely, others may metabolize the same medication so rapidly that a higher dose or different drug may be needed.

Pharmacogenetic testing companies, that process the PGx, provides information about how a person will respond to many different psychotropic/psychiatric medications. In addition, responses are also predicted for other commonly used medications, such as anticoagulants (blood thinners), chemotherapeutic agents, heart medication and painkillers. PGx provides information that can:

Improve the safety and efficacy of medications

Reduce the risk of side effects and toxicity

Lower the risk of serious adverse effects or fatal reactions

Help eliminate unnecessary medication

Shorten the time it takes to achieve desired effect

Be cost-effective

What is Addiction?

Addiction is a disease that manipulates a person’s sense of reward, motivation, memory and a number of related neurological functions.

Who can benefit from pharmacogenetic testing?

Anyone who needs medication presently or might at any time in the future can benefit from PGx. The comprehensive PGx report provides information about how an individual will likely respond to many different medications for many different conditions. PGx is particularly useful for:

Those with treatment-resistant conditions

Those who have had adverse reactions to medications

Those taking several different medications

Those with chronic health conditions

The elderly, medically frail and those with liver or kidney dysfunction

Those who have difficulty making frequent doctor visits

Mental health conditions that PGx may benefit

PGx provides a wealth of information about many different medications used to treat mental health conditions. Psychotropic/psychiatric medications are often used for off-label conditions as well. The following are just a few mental health conditions that PGx may benefit:

Depression

Anxiety disorders

Bipolar disorder

Schizophrenia

Post-traumatic stress disorder

How do I Start?

If you are beginning the admissions process at Sovereign Health, be assured that you will receive high-quality service and care provided by our...

The advantages of noninvasive pharmacogenetic testing

Although the laboratory analysis process is complex, the sample collection process is remarkably simple. The noninvasive procedure can be done in a few seconds. PGx:

Only requires a single painless cheek swab or saliva sample

Provides information about drug metabolism

Does not provide information about diseases, ethnic background or family relationships

Takes approximately 48 hours to obtain result

Pharmacogenetic testing cost Is covered by some insurance plans

We can help you today!

Other considerations regarding pharmacogenetic testing

PGx provides information about the genetic makeup of body structures that are used during drug metabolism. This information gives doctors an idea about whether a person will be able to benefit from certain drugs or not. Other factors determine medication response as well, such as age, gender, weight, overall health, organ function and more. At Sovereign Health, our doctors consider all relevant factors for each patient when making recommendations for medication therapy.

What our Clients Say!

‘We learned to talk about things in a safe environment & know we won’t be judged because we all have things we have to work towards here.’

Why choose Sovereign Health?

Sovereign Health is a leader in the treatment of addiction, mental illness and co-occurring disorders. We offer a range of specialty programs and options at our various locations nationwide. Furthermore, our personalized treatment plans and levels of care will help you recover from addiction and/or mental illness so that you and your loved ones can enjoy the health and happiness lasting recovery brings. Currently, our San Clemente, California, and Los Angeles facilities offer pharmacogenetic testing. If you are interested in learning more about pharmacogenetic testing or any of our treatment programs at Sovereign Health, please call our 24/7 helpline.